Rugby league mourns 'hero' Steve Prescott

Former England, St Helens, Hull and Wakefield full-back, who raised more than
£500,000 for charity since his cancer diagnosis in 2006, passed away in
hospital at 3am on Saturday morning at the age of 39

Tribute: The England team respects a one-minute silence for the death of Steve Prescott before their World Cup match in HullPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

The world of rugby league was united in mourning on Saturday following the death of playing and charity fund-raising legend Steve Prescott at the age of 39.

The former England, St Helens, Hull and Wakefield star was given only weeks to live in 2006 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.

But the former full-back, a father of two, defied the odds to fight the illness with remarkable bravery, becoming an inspiration with his astonishing epic charity events. He was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby league and charity in 2010 and, to date, his Steve Prescott Foundation has raised more than £500,000 for The Christie Hospital in Manchester and the Try Assist Fund.

Prescott would often end up in hospital at the end of his gruelling physical feats of money-raising events, but would never concede defeat.

The cancer however, plus a combination of several other related illnesses, eventually took its toll and Prescott passed away at 3am on Saturday morning. He had spent the past few months in hospital, after being struck by two bouts of pneumonia, as well as a perforated bowel.

Nigel Wood, the RFL chief executive, said: “The word ‘hero’ is overused in sport but Steve was just that. Throughout his long illness Steve was never anything other than dignified, noble and brave, not least during his fantastic charity work.

“Steve touched on the lives of a great many people and enriched both rugby league and the whole of sport with his engaging personality, unselfish efforts and the stoicism in the face of such an aggressive and cruel illness.”

Brian Noble, the former Great Britain coach, said: “The bravery and courage he has shown was an inspiration for other people. But although we are all sad and extremely upset, it is important that we take the legacy away of all the brilliant things he did in the later years of his life.”

Former Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock said: “Steve was a great player but also a great man. He was kind, courageous and brave. His charity work will go on for a lifetime.”